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Collection Development

The purpose of collection development is to identify, evaluate, select, organize and maintain high-quality information resources, in a wide variety of formats, to meet the needs of our diverse communities for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, intellectual stimulation and recreation in support of the missions of our libraries. Libraries strive to create a body of readers, where all citizens are literate, techno-literate, productive and contribute to and enjoy a high quality of life.

Resources

The following resources are available to help libraries with planning strategies for funding, selecting, evaluating, preserving and sharing an outstanding collection.

Grants

Grants help libraries provide valuable resources to support the changing needs in their communities. The library grants blog lists many wonderful grant opportunities for libraries. Some of the more common grant providers include:

Better World Books LEAP - Better World Books is providing grant opportunities to libraries to significantly impact local literacy efforts.

IMLS - The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development for libraries and museums across the country.

Kresge Foundation - Grant programs are designed to support an organization’s immediate capital needs and to build its capacity to raise private support for the future.

Libri Foundation - The Libri Foundation is a nationwide non-profit organization which donates new, quality, hardcover children's books to small, rural public libraries in the United States through its BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program. The Foundation awards grants twice a year.

LSTA - The Library Services Technology Act (LSTA) consists of a state grants program with funds distributed to states on a formula basis, and programs administered directly from the federal level by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

NEH - The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Small Grants to Libraries program brings traveling exhibitions and other types of humanities public programming to libraries across the country.

Policies

The Wisconsin Public Library Standards are a helpful tool provided by the Department of Public Instruction for planning and evaluating library services including governance and administration (Chapter 3), staffing (Chapter 4), collection and resources (Chapter 5), services (Chapter 6), and access and facilities (Chapter 7).

Video and Copyright - The use of audio-visual materials and file formats is limited by the copyright laws governing the rights of reproduction, adaptation, distribution, and public performance and display. Resources regarding loaning and use of videos for programs can be found by visiting the the Movie Licensing USA FAQ and the American Library Association.